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Creamy Broccoli Pasta

A delightful, creamy pasta dish that incorporates vibrant broccoli and earthy flavors from sautéed mushrooms and garlic.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 8 ounces Cavatappi pasta or short pasta of your choice

Butter

  • 4 tablespoons Butter divided

Mushrooms

  • ⅔ cup Button mushrooms sliced

Garlic

  • 2 cloves Garlic minced

Cream

  • 1 cup Heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup Half and half

Tomato Sauce

  • ¼ cup Tomato sauce

Broccoli

  • 1 cup Broccoli chopped

Cheese

  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated

Instructions

  • Step 1: Cook the Pasta - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Cavatappi pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
  • Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic - In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until tender. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce - Reduce heat to low, pour in the heavy whipping cream and half and half. Stir to combine with mushrooms and garlic. Add tomato sauce, chopped broccoli, and remaining butter. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes until broccoli is tender and sauce thickens slightly.
  • Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce - Once broccoli is tender, add the drained pasta to the skillet and mix thoroughly. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
  • Step 5: Add Cheese and Season - Sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until cheese is melted and well combined. Remove from heat.
  • Step 6: Serve and Enjoy - Scoop the creamy Broccoli Pasta onto plates or into bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh black pepper if desired.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Skillet

Notes

For added flavor, consider using garlic powder or onion powder along with the garlic. You can also add red pepper flakes for a kick. Make it vegetarian by ensuring Parmesan is rennet-free or substituting with vegetarian cheese.